Dossiers

"Naturally, they will not let the matter rest, and both sides will have to rely on their own means when the time comes." Zhen Xuanyuan spoke with peculiar confidence: "However, just as demonic cultivators excel at survival but lack prowess in direct confrontation, the cultivation system of the God race has its own drawbacks. Their power is founded upon a vast network of 'believers.' The closer they are to their 'believers,' the stronger they become. Yet the place where the Dao Lord perished clearly lies deep within the starry sky, far from the earthly divine kingdoms established by the God race. The advantage lies with our Heavenly Dao Sect." Hearing this, Yaoguang nodded slightly. Before Dao Integration, the various cultivation systems exhibited notable differences. Demonic cultivators were formless and incorporeal, possessing tremendous survival capabilities and proving exceptionally hard to kill. The God race relied on believers; attacking an earthly divine kingdom where a God Emperor kept captive believers was tantamount to assaulting a fellow Void Shattering peer presiding over a formation of at least the thirteenth rank. The remaining Demon race relied on their physical forms, making their direct combat prowess terrifyingly formidable, yet lacking in versatile techniques. As for the Buddhist cultivators of the Six Buddhist Temples, they excelled at swaying the mind, specializing in the spirit, heart, and soul. Through "Higher-Dimensional Cognition," Yaoguang had touched upon the concepts of "Ghost Immortal, Human Immortal, Earth Immortal, Divine Immortal, and Heavenly Immortal." The ultimate direction pointed to by these cultivation systems already held embryonic traces of the five immortal classes. However, as to how exactly these paths were to be walked when the time came, Yaoguang could not yet "see" it. Presumably... only after reaching the "Immortal Realm" would there be hope of glimpsing the full picture of the five immortal classes. "Since this affair involves benefits on the scale of tens or even hundreds of billions, as a member of the Heavenly Dao Sect, I will also contribute my strength when the time comes," Yaoguang spoke up. "If the Heavenly Dao Sect truly goes to war with the Light God race, notify me, and I will go to assist without delay." Zhen Xuanyuan and Chiyun were both taken aback. This resting place of the Dao Lord had clearly been discovered by Zong Wenxian. Even if Yaoguang helped crush the Light God race, Zong Wenxian might not share much of the gains with him. Furthermore, when assessing contributions and merit afterward, Zong Wenxian, as the leader, would undoubtedly claim the lion's share. No matter how much effort Yaoguang exerted, he would inevitably be paving the way for Zong Wenxian's benefit. Yet, taking Yaoguang's immense strength into account... no one could say what turn events would ultimately take. Zhen Xuanyuan quickly nodded. "With Sect Master Yaoguang's assistance, the Light God race will indeed be nothing to fear." "Although it takes a great deal of time for a Dao Lord to receive word and return from deep space, and rarely would one terminate their travels for the resting place of another Dao Lord, the opening of the Gate of the Immortal Realm is not far off. Lest a Dao Lord of the Light God race return early because of this, Sect Master Zong had best hasten his search for the spatial node." Yaoguang smiled faintly. "If it comes down to it, I can also lend a hand." Zhen Xuanyuan forced a smile. "I imagine once Zong Wenxian learns of Sect Master Yaoguang's enthusiasm, he will surely be deeply moved." Naturally, this was mere courtesy. Unless left with no alternative, Zong Wenxian would never let Yaoguang easily meddle in this matter. At this point, Yaoguang smiled and shifted to another topic: "Speaking of which, this Sect Master Zong is quite adept at making empty promises." If he had known earlier that not even the first stroke of this hundred-billion project had been written, he would have argued his case vigorously. Yet now... it was pointless. Venerable Golden Book clearly cared nothing for internal power struggles within the Heavenly Dao Sect. His attitude was essentially: As long as you don't fight, negotiate things among yourselves—just don't disturb me. Zhen Xuanyuan looked thoroughly awkward, at a loss for words. Having grown accustomed to an exalted station of power, his conversational tact had noticeably withered. Supreme Elder Chiyun, however, recalled something and offered a reminder: "If I recall correctly, True Monarch Buzhou has returned? It would still be wise to exercise caution regarding him." Hearing this, Zhen Xuanyuan turned slightly solemn as well: "True Monarch Buzhou aside, the real concern is True Monarch Jinghong stationed at the planetary core." As if remembering something, he added, "Supreme Elder Gu Li has already departed the Heavenly Dao Sect. As expected, he went to rendezvous with True Monarch Buzhou. Once True Monarch Buzhou learns of your true strength, Sect Master Yaoguang, he will definitely head to the planetary core first to invite True Monarch Jinghong just to be safe. If that True Monarch decides to back Buzhou and Gu Li..." "Soldiers to block, water to dam," Yaoguang said calmly. "I have long heard that True Monarch Jinghong's combat power ranks in the top ten on the Dao Lord Candidate Ranking. I would also like to see whether he truly lives up to the reputation." Connecting Yaoguang's prowess with what he knew of True Monarch Jinghong... the two indeed appeared qualified to contest one another. "Very well. The grand celebration for my advancement to Void Shattering is approaching. If the two Supreme Elders have free time, please assist with the arrangements." Yaoguang waved a hand. "Sect Master Yaoguang's breakthrough to Void Shattering is a joyous occasion unseen in our Heavenly Dao Sect for a millennium. We shall naturally help make the arrangements to showcase the prestige of our Heavenly Dao Sect, and even more so, the majesty of Sect Master Yaoguang." Both Zhen Xuanyuan and Chiyun spoke with smiles. At the same time, the two inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed... after destroying the Jing clan, Sect Master Yaoguang did not intend to stir up any further trouble. "Right. Provide me with detailed dossiers on the Void Shattering and Void Refining figures of the Light God race and the Shadow Moon Sect." As he spoke, Yaoguang recalled something and added, "Bring over a compilation of dossiers on all Void Shattering and Void Refining figures across Beihai Star, as well as the Dao Lord Candidate Ranking. You should have all these records on hand, correct?" "Of course," Supreme Elders Zhen Xuanyuan and Chiyun nodded. "We will have them delivered right away." The Heavenly Dao Sect's intelligence network was primarily subordinate to Sect Master Zong Wenxian, but each Supreme Elder maintained an auxiliary intelligence network of their own. While such networks paid little attention to those below the Void Piercing realm, they held comprehensive, intimate knowledge of all Void Piercing, Void Refining, and Void Shattering figures. After a brief exchange, the two Supreme Elders took their leave. Before long, they dispatched people to deliver the records Yaoguang requested. Yaoguang browsed through them one by one, focusing primarily on the nearby Shadow Moon Sect and Light God race. "Just how many Void Shattering experts a sect possesses has always been an absolute secret. Aside from the Supreme Elders standing at the very pinnacle of the sect, even figures at the deputy sect master level may not fully know, let alone outsiders trying to determine exact figures." Yaoguang examined the dossiers on the Shadow Moon Sect and the Light God race. On the surface, the Shadow Moon Sect had ten Void Shattering demonic cultivators openly accounted for. However, it was confirmed that two more Void Shattering demonic cultivators were situated at the planetary core, meaning there were twelve confirmed Void Shattering experts. Ultimately, Zhen Xuanyuan's intelligence network estimated fifteen demonic cultivators in total, while Supreme Elder Chiyun's network estimated fourteen. "Fourteen to fifteen... that shouldn't be far off the mark, sixteen at most," Yaoguang mused. Demonic cultivators advanced faster than orthodox cultivators, resulting in a somewhat greater number of experts. However, as seen from the existence of the Ten Immortal Sects and Four Great Celestial Dynasties, the probability of a demonic cultivator achieving Dao Lord was significantly lower than that of normal cultivators. Compared to demonic cultivators, the God race possessed an intense exclusivity. Among the Ten Directions God Races, the Light God race was already one of the most powerful pantheons; the only one capable of firmly eclipsing them was the Void God race. Even so, the Light God race possessed merely twelve God Emperors. The number was extraordinarily precise: Twelve. Because the God race relied on the power of believers and had to establish earthly divine kingdoms, their numbers were impossible to conceal. Unless they maintained branches out in deep space, these twelve God Emperors represented the entire strength of the Light God race. As for forces out in the starry sky... they were generally treated as standard considerations. The starry sky was vast; returning to Beihai Star from its depths took a month or two at best, and several years at worst. Should a full-scale war erupt, extraterrestrial forces simply could not make it in time. Furthermore, the Heavenly Dao Sect also possessed similar extraterrestrial forces—True Monarch Nishang, who cultivated at Dao Lord Juntian's side, was the best example. "If I recall correctly, the Light God race has already deployed eight God Emperors to intercept Zong Wenxian's group? For their entire race, that is practically an all-out mobilization." Yaoguang calculated in his mind. However, once members of the God race ventured far from their earthly divine kingdoms, their combat strength declined. To guarantee success, they naturally had to deploy greater forces. Moreover, with the empowerment of the divine kingdoms... having four God Emperors guard the Light God race's territory was hardly inferior in effect to eight Void Shattering experts. It was more than enough to ensure their domain remained impregnable. "Eight God Emperors, plus the Shadow Moon Sect... The Shadow Moon Sect has a full fourteen to sixteen... twelve to fourteen Void Shattering Demon Masters. If I refine and slay half of them, taking seven, that wouldn't be excessive..." Seven Void Shattering demonic cultivators plus eight Void Shattering God Emperors totaled roughly fifteen. However, their strengths varied; whether fifteen would suffice to ensure he completed his foundation before the Dao Lord realm could not be guaranteed. If all were peak Void Shattering figures like Zhen Xuanyuan, it naturally wouldn't be an issue. But if they were of the caliber of Bahuang or Darkness... they would likely fall somewhat short. After some thought, Yaoguang penciled in another Shadow Moon Sect demonic cultivator: "Slaying eight God Emperors of the Light God race while only taking seven Void Shattering Demon Masters from the Shadow Moon Sect might seem like I'm looking down on them. Better add one more to make it eight Void Shattering Demon Masters. That way, both sides are equal, showing fairness." Of course, eight Void Shattering God Emperors and eight Void Shattering Demon Masters were merely his ideal targets. In the end, he might not necessarily succeed in eliminating all these Void Shattering demons and gods. Still, if there was a shortfall, he could make up the difference from the Demon race. Presumably, as long as he was willing to strike into the heartlands of the Demon race without venturing too deep, Dao Lord Penglai would not mind providing cover for him. Whatever count he lacked when the time came could simply be made up with the Demon race. Thereupon, he began looking through the Void Shattering dossiers of these gods, demonic cultivators, and demons. More precisely, he reviewed the profiles of those top Void Shattering figures on the Dao Lord Candidate Ranking. Ordinary Void Shattering cultivators could no longer pose a threat to him, but the same could not be said of those on the Dao Lord Candidate Ranking. If he wished to accumulate the experience needed to step into the "Dao Lord" domain with the utmost efficiency, he naturally had to steer clear of such cultivators for now. Of course, if they foolishly threw themselves in his path, Yaoguang wouldn't mind testing his strength against theirs.